Exploring the old town

Dubrovnik as a whole is a large city that’s home to about 50,000 people, but it’s the old town that everyone comes to see. It consists of only 824 buildings with narrow alleyways, red-bricked roofs and a smattering of churches all encased by a high city wall.

 

Walking the city walls

A walk along these city walls is a must-do. It takes about two hours and offers unforgettable views over the Adriatic Sea and the old town. It’s such a romantic spot you may even bear witness to a proposal or two.

Open: 10am-3pm January & February, 9am-3pm March, 9am-6.30pm April & May, 8am-7.30pm June & July, 8am-7pm August & September (15), 9am-6pm September (15) & October, 9am-3pm November & December

Tickets: 100KN

 

Eating ice cream

Croats love their ice cream and Dubrovnik isn’t short of ice-creameries. Heavier than the Italians’ gelati, there is a wide variety of flavours to choose from fruity options to creamy and rich varieties like chocolate and rum punch.

 

Take the plunge

For a serious adrenaline rush head to the bar Buža II: there are plenty of places for a hair-raising (but safe) jump off the cliffs into the sea. Don’t panic if you’re scared of heights – there are steps to the water’s edge for a more sedate entry.

There are several good (but pebbly) beaches close by, too. Banje is easy to find about 500m west of the old town. Or head 500m west along Od Tabakarije street to the secluded Šuli´ci, or another 400m through Gradac Park to the more exposed Danˇce beach.

 

Hit the beach

With temperatures hitting around 30 degrees during the summer months, taking a dip in some of Dubrovnik’s crystal clear waters is the perfect way to cool down. Beaches are generally pebbly, although there are some concrete areas that allow swimmers to dive straight in.

 

Check out the museums

Get a bit of culture in with the Dominican Monastery and Museum which offers paintings from the 15th and 16th century or check out work by contemporary Croatian artists the Museum of Modern Art. Other options include the Maritime Museum and Ethnographic Museum.

Dominican Monastery and Museum

Open: 9am-6pm May to October, 9am-5pm November to April

Tickets: 20KN

Maritime Museum

Open: 9am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday March (22) to November (02), 9am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday November (03) to March (21)

Closed: Mondays

Tickets: Adult 40KN

Ethnographic Museum

Open: 9am-4pm Wednesday to Monday

Closed: Tuesdays

Tickets: Adult 40KN

A Unified ticket includes entry to Rector’s Palace, Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum Rupe, Revelin Fortress archaeological exhibit, House of Marin Držić, Dubrovnik Art Gallery, Natural History Museum and Dulčić, Masle, Pulitika Gallery Adult 100KN

 

Sponza Palace

Wander through the gothic-renaissance style Sponza Palace which was built in 1516.

Open: 9am-9pm seven days a week in summer, 10am-3pm seven days a week in winter

Tickets: Free